Mr. George D. Phippen, of Salem, read, in part, a communi- 

 cation on the introduction of indigenous plants of this vicinity, 

 into cultivation ; prefacing the same with some very interest- 

 ing remarks on the pleasure and importance to be derived from 

 a study of the natural sciences. Some very fine and large spe- 

 cimens of Campanula glomerata, collected in the morning's 

 rambling, were exhibited, among other flowers of the season. 



Mr. Samuel P. Fowler, of Danvers, followed Mr. Phippen, 

 in remarks on the several subject matters of the meeting, which 

 were listened to with attention — and the chair occupied a few 

 moments with observations respecting the elevated position 

 which natural science was occupying in education, in agricul- 

 ture, in the arts and comforts of social life. 



On motion of Mr. Phippen, it was then unanimously 



Voted, that the thanks of the Essex Institute be presented to 

 J. W. Healy, the Principal of the Academy, for the use of this 

 Hall as a place of its meeting — also, to the scholars, and to 

 those citizens of Topsfield who kindly proffered their assistance 

 in furtherance of the objects of this session. 



After some remarks, in reply, from Dr. R. A. Merriam, 

 who signified his pleasure and gratification at the visit thus 

 made by the Institute, and his surprize at the nature of the 

 entertainment offered by it, and his regret that a larger audi- 

 ence had not participated, it was voted to adjourn. 



The rapidly advancing season — the evidences of improving 

 agricultural labors — the beautiful scenery, and the cordial wel- 

 come, together with abundance of lovely flowers by way-side 

 and in woods, conspired to render the excursion one of profit 

 and pleasure. 



Friday, July 18, 1856. 



Field Meetinq at Manchester. Through previous ar- 

 rangements made by Mr. Jonathan French, jr.. Principal of. 

 the Public High School, who was ready to receive the company 

 arriving in the morning train from Salem and vicinity, a nu- 



ESSEX INST, proceed. VOL. ii. 5. 



